Sample Wet Weight Research Articles

Detection and quantification of microplastic pollution in the endangered Galapagos sea lion

Marine debris pollution poses a significant global threat to biodiversity, with plastics being the primary debris type found in oceans due to their low-cost production and high demand worldwide. Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm in size) are highly bioavailable to a wide range of marine taxa, including marine mammals, through direct and indirect ingestion routes (i.e., trophic transfer). Recently, MP pollution has been detected on the Galapagos Marine Reserve, so in this study we developed a baseline framework for MP pollution in the Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) through scat-based analysis. We collected 180 GSL scat samples from the southeast region following strict quality assurance/quality control protocols to detect, quantify and characterize physical-chemical properties of MPs through visual observations and μFT-IR spectroscopy. We recovered 81 MPs of varying sizes and colors in 37 % of samples (n = 66/180), consisting mostly of fibers (69 %, x¯ = 0.31 ± 0.57 particles scat−1). The number of particles per gram of sample wet weight ranged from 0.02 to 0.22 (x¯ = 0.04 ± 0.05 particles scat wet g−1). El Malecón and Punta Pitt rookeries at San Cristobal Island had the highest number of MPs (x¯ = 0.67 ± 0.51 and 0.43 ± 0.41 particles scat−1, respectively), and blue-colored particles were the most common in all samples. We identified eleven polymers in 46 particles, consisting mostly of polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, polypropylene, cellulose, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. The textile, fishing, and packaging industries are likely significant sources of microfibers into this insular ecosystem. Our results suggest that the GSL is exposed to MPs due to anthropogenic contamination that is subsequently transferred through trophic processes. These findings provide an important baseline framework and insights for future research on MP pollution in the region, as well as for management actions that will contribute to the long-term conservation of the GSL.

Evaluation of Normalization Approaches for Quantitative Analysis of Bile Acids in Human Feces.

Quantitative analysis of bile acids in human feces can potentially help to better understand the influence of the gut microbiome and diet on human health. Feces is a highly heterogeneous sample matrix, mainly consisting of water and indigestible solid material (as plant fibers) that show high inter-individual variability. To compare bile acid concentrations among different individuals, a reliable normalization approach is needed. Here, we compared the impact of three normalization approaches, namely sample wet weight, dry weight, and protein concentration, on the absolute concentrations of fecal bile acids. Bile acid concentrations were determined in 70 feces samples from healthy humans. Our data show that bile acid concentrations normalized by the three different approaches are substantially different for each individual sample. Fecal bile acid concentrations normalized by wet weight show the narrowest distribution. Therefore, our analysis will provide the basis for the selection of a suitable normalization approach for the quantitative analysis of bile acids in feces.

RESPON DUA VARIETAS BAWANG MERAH (Allium ascalonicum L.) DALAM MENINGKATKAN PRODUKSI DENGAN PEMBERIAN PUPUK KCL DI KECAMATAN RANTAU SELATAN

The decline in productivity of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) is one of the horticultural crops that are consumed by many Indonesian people, therefore it is necessary to provide potassium elements on the onion crop. Where potassium in plants is very important, it plays a role as a factor in the enzymes in the process of plant metabolism, stomata regulation, and CO assimilation. Meanwhile, if the lack of potassium causes small tubers so that production decreases. This study aims to determine the response of growth and yield of onion (Allium ascalonicum L.) to several varieties and dosages of KCL fertilizer. This research was conducted in the experimental area of the Faculty of Science and Technology of Labuhabatu University, South Rantau District with a height of 13 meters above sea level. The materials used in this study were Sumenep and Maja Cipanas Shallot Seed Varieties, Urea Fertilizer, TSP and KCl. The tools used in this study are the Global Positioning System (GPS), hoe, fat, meter, sample traces, scales, ovens and stationery that support this research. This research uses factorial randomized block design with 2 factors and 3 replications, namely: Factor 1: V1 = Variety of Sumenep and V2 = Maja Cipanas and Factor 2 of fertilizer dose P0 ,, Control, P1 = 50 gram / plot, P2 = 100 gram / plot, P3 = 150 gram / plot). The parameters observed were sample wet weight, plot dry weight, and the number of plot production. Research Results Showing the dosage treatment gave an effect on the growth and production of shallots with the best dose of 150 grams/plot. An interaction occurred between KCL fertilizer dosage and onion varieties on plant height, number of leaves, number of tubers, wet weight, number of production and dry weight of onion plants. Keywords: Shallot, KCL Fertilizer, Production Results, Rantau Selatan District

PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN BERBAGAI JENIS MULSA TERHADAP PRODUKSI BAWANG MERAH (Allium cepa L. Var. Agregatum)

Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari penggunaan mulsa plastik hitam perak, mulsa daun kayu putih, dan mulsa serabut batang aren terhadap jumlah produksi bawang merah dan mengetahui perbandingan dari respon pertumbuhan tanaman bawang merah pada penggunaan mulsa plastik hitam perak, mulsa daun kayu putih, dan mulsa serabut batang aren. Perlakuan meliputi mulsa plastik hitam perak, mulsa serabut batang aren, mulsa daun kayu putih dan tanpa mulsa. Variabel pengamatan antara lain tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, berat basah dan kering oven tanaman sampel, berat basah dan kering panen tanaman sampel, berat basah dan kering panen umbi, dan jumlah umbi. Pengamatan tanaman dilakukan pada umur 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, dan 56 hst. Data pengamatan dianalisa menggunakan analisis ragam (ANOVA) dan diuji lanjut dengan Duncan taraf 5%. Perlakuan dengan menggunakan mulsa plastik hitam perak, mulsa daun kayu putih dan mulsa serabut batang aren memberikan pengaruh nyata terhadap tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, berat tanaman sampel, berat panen tanaman sampel, dan berat umbi. Perlakuan dengan mengunakan mulsa plastik hitam perak memberikan pengaruh rata-rata tertinggi dari hasil pengamatan tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, berat basah tanaman sampel, berat panen tanaman sampel, dan berat umbi.

Effects of Advanced Glycation Endproducts on the Mechanical Properties of Posterior Tibialis in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus

Category:DiabetesIntroduction/Purpose:Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) accumulate in tendon tissue in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although AGEs have been shown to impact tendon function by decreasing collagen sliding, this relationship has not been explored in humans with diabetes. Despite the prevalence of foot deformity in this population and implications of posterior tibialis dysfunction, the mechanical behavior of the posterior tibialis tendon has only been reported in a small (n=5), cadaveric study that did not report DM status. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effects of DM-associated AGEs accumulation on the mechanical properties of the posterior tibialis tendon.Methods:Posterior tibialis tendons were collected from individuals with and without DM undergoing lower extremity amputation. A 1-2 mm tendon transection was used for AGEs quantification. AGEs were quantified via fluorescence following papain digestion and hydrolyzation as described previously. Fluorescence was compared to a quinine standard to calculate AGEs content, which was normalized to sample wet weight. Tensile mechanical testing was completed with the remaining specimen (˜25 mm long). Tendon cross-sectional area was measured with a non-contact laser scanning device. Specimens were preloaded to 10 N and preconditioned for 10 cycles at 6% strain, subjected to stress-relaxation at 6% strain for 10 minutes, and loaded with a triangular waveform to a maximum of 10% strain at a rate of 1% strain per second. Individual values and group descriptive statistics are reported for AGEs content and mechanical testing. Relationships between AGEs content and various mechanical testing parameters were evaluated using Spearman correlation.Results:Six individuals (5 with DM, 4 male, mean(SD) age: 56(5)years) were included. AGEs content was increased in DM tendon (DM: 20.5(5.1), non-DM: 9.5 ng quinine/mg wet weight). Compared to non-DM tendon, DM tendons had larger cross-sectional area (DM: 44.3(4.9), non-DM: 11mm2). From stress relaxation, DM tendons had smaller peak (DM: 0.41(0.25), non-DM: 1.16 MPa) and equilibrium stress (DM: 0.23(0.13), non-DM: 0.83 MPa), and larger percent relaxation (DM: 46(6)%, non-DM: 29%)(Figure 1-A). DM tendons had decreased maximum stress at 10% strain (DM: 0.63(0.45), non-DM: 1.75 MPa), increased linear stiffness (DM: 35.2(27.6), non-DM: 19.2N/mm), and decreased linear modulus (DM: 8.5(7.0), non-DM: 20.1 MPa)(Figure 1-B, C) compared to non- DM tendon. Hysteresis (i.e., energy loss upon unloading) was higher in DM tendons (DM: 0.35(0.05), non-DM: 0.22), and positively correlated to AGEs (rho=0.943, p=0.005, Figure 1-D).Conclusion:Posterior tibialis tendons with DM exhibited increased AGEs content and altered mechanical properties. DM tendons were less stiff when accounting for cross-sectional area but had 2-4x the cross-sectional area of non-DM tendon, with inconsistent patterns in total tendon stiffness potentially attributable to several factors. DM tendons showed impaired energy storage and return, which was most strongly associated with AGEs. Non-DM samples were limited and the linear modulus was smaller than previously reported, however, all but one DM tendon had a modulus less than 50% of the non-DM sample. Future work will explore the mechanisms of AGEs-associated DM tendon impairments.

Assessment of methane production from shredder waste in landfills: The influence of temperature, moisture and metals

In this study, methane (CH4) production rates from shredder waste (SW) were determined by incubation of waste samples over a period of 230days under different operating conditions, and first-order decay kinetic constants (k-values) were calculated. SW and sterilized SW were incubated under different temperatures (20–25°C, 37°C, and 55°C), moisture contents (35% and 75% w/w) and amounts of inoculum (5% and 30% of the samples wet weight). The biochemical methane potential (BMP) from different types of SW (fresh, old and sieved) was determined and compared. The ability of metals (iron, aluminum, zinc, and copper) contained in SW to provide electrons for methanogens resulting in gas compositions with high CH4 contents and very low CO2 contents was investigated. The BMP of SW was 1.5–6.2kg CH4/ton waste. The highest BMP was observed in fresh SW samples, while the lowest was observed in sieved samples (fine fraction of SW). Abiotic production of CH4 was not observed in laboratory incubations. The biotic experiments showed that when the moisture content was 35% w/w and the temperature was 20–25°C, CH4 production was extremely low. Increasing the temperature from 20–25°C to 37°C resulted in significantly higher CH4 production while increasing the temperature from 37°C to 55°C resulted in higher CH4 production, but to a lower extent. Increasing the moisture and inoculum content also increased CH4 production. The k-values were 0.033–0.075yr−1 at room temperature, 0.220–0.429yr−1 at 37°C and 0.235–0.488yr−1 at 55°C, indicating that higher temperatures resulted in higher k-values. It was observed that H2 can be produced by biocorrosion of iron, aluminum, and zinc and it was shown that produced H2 can be utilized by hydrogenotrophic methanogens to convert CO2 to CH4. Addition of iron and copper to SW resulted in inhibition of CH4 production, while addition of aluminum and zinc resulted in higher CH4 production. This suggested that aluminum and zinc contribute to high CH4 production from SW by providing H2 for hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Gas compositions with higher CH4 and lower CO2 observed in landfilled SW are thus most likely due to the consumption of existing CO2 in the produced biogas and the produced H2 by biocorrosion of aluminum and zinc by methanogens.

Effects of Chondroitinase ABC-Mediated Proteoglycan Digestion on Decellularization and Recellularization of Articular Cartilage.

Articular cartilage has a limited capacity to heal itself and thus focal defects often result in the development of osteoarthritis. Current cartilage tissue engineering strategies seek to regenerate injured tissue by creating scaffolds that aim to mimic the unique structure and composition of native articular cartilage. Decellularization is a novel strategy that aims to preserve the bioactive factors and 3D biophysical environment of the native extracellular matrix while removing potentially immunogenic factors. The purpose of this study was to develop a procedure that can enable decellularization and recellularization of intact articular cartilage matrix. Full-thickness porcine articular cartilage plugs were decellularized with a series of freeze-thaw cycles and 0.1% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate detergent cycles. Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) was applied before the detergent cycles to digest glycosaminoglycans in order to enhance donor chondrocyte removal and seeded cell migration. Porcine synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto the decellularized cartilage scaffolds and cultured for up to 28 days. The optimized decellularization protocol removed 94% of native DNA per sample wet weight, while collagen content and alignment were preserved. Glycosaminoglycan depletion prior to the detergent cycles increased removal of nuclear material. Seeded cells infiltrated up to 100 μm into the cartilage deep zone after 28 days in culture. ChABC treatment enhances decellularization of the relatively dense, impermeable articular cartilage by reducing glycosaminoglycan content. ChABC treatment did not appear to affect cell migration during recellularization under static, in vitro culture, highlighting the need for more dynamic seeding methods.

Feeding deterrency in Antarctic marine organisms: bioassays with the omnivore amphipod Cheirimedon femoratus

Table S1. Species names and dissected body-regions of the samples used to obtain extracts for feeding assays. WW: sample wet weight; DW: sample dry weight; EE: dry weight of the diethyl ether extract; NEE: percentage of the natural tissue concentration of EE in the sample calculated by dividing EE by DW; na: not available; body-regions — BAS: basal, API: apical, EXT: external, INT: internal, POL: polyparium, AX: axis body-parts; morphotypes — BW numbers after species names indicate conspecific samples from different collection sites

Impact of organ culturing on metabolic profile of human corneas: preliminary results

It is suggested that the quality of corneal graft may depend on modifications that appear in the tissue during culturing. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the metabolic profile between cultured and noncultured human corneas. Corneas from 12 donors were obtained post-mortem and cultured for 6-20 days. Control corneas were obtained from four patients with malignant melanoma of the chorioidea and were kept frozen at -80 °C until analysed. The metabolic profiles of the samples were investigated using high-resolution, magic angle spinning (1) H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and special software for: (i) analysis of complex mixtures, (ii) principal component analysis and (iii) specialized statistical analysis. Twenty metabolites were detected and assigned in the corneas. Significant differences in metabolic profiles between cultured and noncultured corneas were revealed. It was also shown in samples kept in culture for 9-14 days that the levels of (i) alanine, formate, lactate and (ii) acetate, alanine, arginine, lactate were elevated in comparison with the samples kept for <9 and more than 14 days, respectively. Corneal culturing affects the metabolic profile of the tissue. The increases in the levels of some metabolites within the second week of culturing likely result from variations in tissue metabolic or enzymatic activity caused by changed (organ culture) environment. As the mechanisms responsible for these changes are not clear, further research is indicated.

Evaluation of Nonlethal Methods for the Analysis of Mercury in Fish Tissue

AbstractThousands of fish are sacrificed each year to determine potential human exposure to mercury (Hg) from fish consumption. In this paper, we use lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis and northern pike Esox lucius to demonstrate that accurate and reliable measures of fish muscle Hg concentrations can be determined from small samples (&lt;100 mg) harvested with biopsy tools. Reliability of results primarily depends upon analytical methodology and tissue sample weight. Mercury concentrations estimated by use of cold‐vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry (CVAAS) on small composite tissue samples harvested with a Tru‐Cut (TC) biopsy needle (mean sample wet weight = 47 mg) were less precise than estimates from tissue samples harvested with a dermal punch (DP; mean sample wet weight = 126 mg). Precision differences presumably occurred because TC samples weighed less than the prescribed minimum weight (&gt;100 mg) for CVAAS. There was no difference in precision of Hg concentrations among tissue extraction methods when biopsy samples were analyzed via cold‐vapor atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry (CVAFS). Mean tissue Hg concentrations obtained with the biopsy techniques and CVAAS or CVAFS were similar to benchmark concentrations in fillet samples (within 6%), even for TC– CVAAS. A field study of the effects of the DP biopsy method on survival of northern pike showed that tissue harvesting did not reduce survival. Our results clearly demonstrate that analysis of Hg content in muscle harvested with biopsy tools provides Hg measures comparable in accuracy to traditional, whole‐fish methods but without causing mortality.

Ascertaining In vivo Phosphate Solubilization: Mineral Recovery Techniques and Phosphorus Sources

In vivo mineral source solubilization is determined by a decanting procedure in which unsolubilized mineral sources are recovered from the excreta. These studies were conducted to improve the accuracy and broaden the use of this procedure. These studies examined the influence of excreta sample wet weight on percentage mineral source recovered; compared results from wet samples and dried, ground samples of comparable original wet weights, and evaluated the influence of three P sources on percentage in vivo P source solubilization in broilers and layers.Reducing sample weights significantly (P<.001) improved percentage mineral source recovered. No differences resulted from using wet vs. dried, ground samples. Suggested wet and dry sample weights are 5 and 1g respectively. Phosphorus source significantly (P<.001) influenced phosphorus source solubilization, with approximately 1.75, 5.5 and 10.25% of Biofos, Dynafos, and Multifos, respectively, passing through the bird without being solubilized.

Development of Sampling Methods for Estimating Levels of Varroa jacobsoni (Acari: Varroidae) Infestation in Colonies of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Methods for estimating infestation rates of Varroa jacobsoni (Oudemans) on adult honey bees, Apis mellifera (L.), are not well developed. We calculated 3 measures of infestation in samples of adult bees from New York State and Washington, DC: (1) M/V, the ratio of the number of mites (M) to a constant volume of bees (V); (2) M/B, the ratio of the number of mites (M) to the number of bees (B); and (3) M/G, the ratio of the number of mites (M) to the wet weight of bees (G). Each measure requires a determination of the number of mites, or the number of mites and either the number or wet weight of bees. We calculated surrogates for these measures that are easier to obtain. An estimate (EM) of the number of mites in each sample was made using the ether roll technique. An estimate (EB) of the number of bees in each sample was estimated from the sample wet weight (G) by using a conversion factor (bees per gram). Surrogates for the 3 original measures were constructed using EM, EB, and G and compared with their corresponding original measures by using the concordance correlation coefficient r c . Values of r c for EM/V with M/V were 0.97 and 0.85, in New York State and Washington, DC, respectively. Corresponding values for EM/B with M/B were 0.97 and 0.85; values for M/EB with M/B were 0.99 and 0.98; values for EM/EB with M/B were 0.97 and 0.81; values for EM/G with M/G were 0.97 and 0.86. Infestation rates in samples obtained from the brood nest were approximately twice as high as in samples from the honey-storage area.

Differences between Bligh and Dyer and Soxhlet extractions of PCBs and lipids from fat and lean fish muscle: Implications for data evaluation

Both Bligh and Dyer extraction using chloroform/ methanol and Soxhlet extraction using hexane/acetone were employed for extracting total lipid and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from muscle tissue in four species of fish: herring ( Clupea harengus), salmon ( Salmo salar), cod ( Gadus morhua) and Northern pike ( Esox lucius), all caught in the southern part of the Baltic Sea. The Bligh and Dyer method allowed a greater amount of total lipid but a lesser amount of total PCBs to be extracted than the Soxhlet method with hexane/acetone did. For all the fish except cod, the sample wet weight PCB concentrations differed significantly for the two extraction methods. When the sample PCB was normalized to extracted total lipid, the differences in the yield of the two methods increased due to differences in total lipid yield. This was most pronounced for the lean fish (cod and pike). When the two methods were compared in terms of efficiency in the extraction of different PCBs, a relationship of this to PCB congener lipophilicity, expressed in terms of K ow, could be shown. Differences between methods and variability within the data provided from the first method were highest for the PCB congeners in the lipophilicity regions of log K ow < 6.5 and > 7.5. The study indicated that comparability is better for PCB analysis data from triacylglycerol-rich samples (herring and salmon) than from lean samples (cod and pike). The results suggest that in order to avoid comparisons of data from different samples being misleading, PCB pattern and/or single congener data should be obtained using the same extraction technique.

Low-cost system for electron probe microanalysis based on a personal computer

The development of personal computers increases the options available for electron probe microanalysis. Hardware and software are now available for personal computers which make it feasible to use them to acquire, process, and analyze x-ray spectra. One advantage of a personal computer (PC) based system is the low cost--approximately 20% of the cost of other options. A second advantage is that a system can be developed which is tailored to the needs of the laboratory, so that experimental questions asked of the data can dictate procedures for data acquisition and processing.We have developed a PC-based system for electron probe microanalysis, which we use for data acquisition, processing, and analysis of frozen and freeze-dried biological samples. X-ray spectra may be acquired either for spot analysis or for elemental images. Spectra acquired from large areas of the frozen, hydrated sample are used together with spectra from the freeze-dried specimen to calculate concentrations relative to sample wet weight.

Microscopic fat cellsize measurements on frozen-cut adipose tissue in comparison with automatic determinations of osmium-fixed fat cells

Diameters of fat cells in adipose tissue slices, floating in an isoosmolar solution, were measured under a microscope. The slices were obtained from percutaneous biopsies by freeze-cutting after brief formaldehyde fixation. All cells in a given part of the slice were measured, thus avoiding selection. A normal distribution of fat cell diameters could be demonstrated with this method, as has been found with previously described methods. The error of the method was 2.6% for diameter and 8.0% for weight determinations. Storage of adipose tissue at 4 degrees C for 48 hr had no effects on cell size determinations. Results with this microscopic method were compared with those obtained from a previously described method for automatic determinations of osmium-fixed fat cells. The latter method was slightly modified by using a viscous electrolyte, which prevented sedimentation of large fat cells, and by using sonication to complete cell separation. The methods agreed closely. A method for calculating mean fat cell weight using osmium-fixed fat cells is described, which makes determinations of sample wet weight and ratio of lipid to wet weight unnecessary.